30 dinners for two that skip leftovers on purpose

I love finding dinners that are just the right size for two, so we can enjoy a fresh meal without worrying about leftovers. These recipes make weeknights easier because they're quick to prep, simple to cook, and perfectly portioned. Sharing a dinner that finishes in one sitting feels effortless and keeps mealtime enjoyable and stress-free.

A plate of creamy lasagna topped with melted cheese and garnished with basil next to a fork.

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Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

A bowl of pasta with shrimp and tomatoes. — Shrimp and Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This pasta comes together quickly, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner for two. The combination of shrimp and tomato sauce is light enough to finish in one sitting. It's simple to prepare and doesn't leave extra portions. The meal is filling without being heavy, so you won't need leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

Lemon Butter Sauce for Salmon

A plate of salmon on a white plate with lemon slices on it. — Lemon Butter Sauce for Salmon. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

A bright lemon butter sauce adds flavor to salmon without overwhelming it. It's designed for a single meal for two, so there's no extra fish to store. Quick to make and easy to pair with simple sides, it's perfect for a relaxed evening. The sauce keeps the salmon moist and enjoyable right away.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Sauce for Salmon

Crock Pot Chili for Two

Crock Pot Chili served in two white bowls with spoon. — Crock Pot Chili for Two. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This chili is scaled for two, so you get a warm, hearty dinner without extra servings. It cooks slowly in the crock pot, letting flavors blend with minimal effort. The portion size is just right for a full meal each. It's a comforting choice that doesn't leave leftovers in the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chili for Two

Green Beans and Ground Beef

Plate with ground beef, green beans, and cauliflower rice. Fork on the plate, garlic cloves nearby, and a bowl of green beans in the background. — Green Beans and Ground Beef. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This dish comes together quickly and offers a filling dinner for two. The mix of green beans and beef is easy to prepare and portion-controlled. It's a practical weeknight option that won't create extra meals. You get a fresh dinner that's ready to enjoy without worrying about storing extras.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans and Ground Beef

Air Fryer Tuna Melt

A grilled cheese tuna sandwich is cut in half on a plate. — Air Fryer Tuna Melt. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This tuna melt cooks fast in the air fryer, making it ideal for a casual dinner for two. The portion is just enough for the two of you to finish in one sitting. It's simple to prepare and doesn't require complicated steps. The crispy bread and warm tuna come together in under 20 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tuna Melt

Bacon Avocado Burger Bowl

A bowl of salad with sliced red onions, lettuce, tomatoes, shredded cheese, ground beef, bacon, and dressing; a fork holds a bite above the bowl. — Bacon Avocado Burger Bowl. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This burger bowl is easy to assemble and perfectly sized for two servings. Crispy bacon and fresh avocado add flavor without leaving leftovers. It's a hands-on meal that's ready quickly, ideal for a midweek dinner. You get a satisfying combination of protein and vegetables in one bowl.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Avocado Burger Bowl

Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

A blue bowl of cooked chicken breasts garnished with chopped herbs on a light fabric backdrop. — Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chicken thighs cook slowly and stay tender without needing much attention. This recipe is portioned for two, so there's no leftover chicken cluttering the fridge. The slow cooker does most of the work while you handle other tasks. It's a warm and simple dinner you can enjoy right away.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

Individual Lasagna

Lasagna for One in small 10-ounce square baking pan. — Individual Lasagna. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These personal lasagnas are perfect for a dinner for two with no extra portions. Each serving is baked separately, so everyone gets the right amount. The preparation is straightforward and manageable for a small meal. It's comforting and filling, ready to eat without leftover hassle.
Get the Recipe: Individual Lasagna

Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Quick to grill and easy to portion, these shrimp skewers are perfect for a two-person dinner. They cook fast and stay tender, so you won't have leftover seafood. The skewers are simple to serve with a side salad or rice. This makes for a fresh, complete dinner ready in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Ground Pork Tacos

Two pork tacos on a white plate with lime wedges. — Ground Pork Tacos. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These tacos are sized to give two people a full meal without leftovers. Ground pork cooks quickly and is easy to season for a flavorful filling. The recipe is simple and ideal for a casual dinner night. Each bite is ready to enjoy right off the plate.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Tacos

Steak Pizzaiola

Fried steak topped with a chunky tomato and basil sauce, served on a white plate. — Steak Pizzaiola. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Steak cooks quickly and pairs with a light tomato sauce, perfect for a dinner for two. The portions are controlled so there's no extra steak left over. Preparation is straightforward, letting the sauce complement the meat easily. It's a warm, hearty meal that finishes in one sitting.
Get the Recipe: Steak Pizzaiola

Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

A piece of air fried chicken thigh on a fork, with a caramelized exterior and garnished with a small leaf, in focus against a blurred background of more chicken pieces. — Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Boneless chicken thighs cook evenly in the air fryer, making them ideal for a two-person dinner. The timing is short and hands-off, so you can focus on other things. Portions are just enough for both, avoiding extra leftovers. This gives a tender, flavorful meal without waste.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

A bowl of rice and chicken in front of a crockpot. — Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

The sweet Hawaiian sauce pairs with tender chicken for a complete dinner sized for two. The slow cooker handles most of the work, leaving you free to prep simple sides. The portion is designed to finish in one meal. It's a balanced and easy dinner without extras.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

Ground Pork Stir Fry

A plate with ground pork and vegetables on top of cauliflower rice. — Ground Pork Stir Fry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This stir fry cooks quickly and is portioned for two servings. Fresh vegetables and pork combine for a balanced meal you can finish entirely. The preparation is simple and doesn't create extra meals. It's a practical, flavorful choice for a weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Stir Fry

Beef Quesadillas

A stack of quesadillas filled with cheese and steak served with a side of red salsa on a white plate. — Beef Quesadillas. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These quesadillas are perfect for a quick dinner for two with no leftover slices. The beef melts with cheese in a way that's easy to portion. They cook fast and are ready in under 20 minutes. The meal is convenient and enjoyable without extra storage.
Get the Recipe: Beef Quesadillas

Chinese Black Pepper Chicken

Bowl of black pepper chicken with chop sticks. — Chinese Black Pepper Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This dish has bold flavors while remaining sized for a two-person dinner. Chicken cooks quickly and pairs easily with rice or noodles. Preparation is straightforward, letting the pepper sauce shine. The portion is just right to finish in one sitting.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Black Pepper Chicken

Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs

Close-up of an air-fried barbecued rib with charred edges over a white plate. — Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Ribs cook faster in the air fryer and come out tender, perfect for a small dinner for two. The recipe is designed to avoid leftover portions. It's simple to season and serve with a side. The result is a satisfying meal ready to eat immediately.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs

Filipino Chicken Adobo

Two pieces of braised meat in a dark, rich sauce, seasoned with whole peppercorns and a bay leaf, in a pan. — Filipino Chicken Adobo. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chicken simmers in a rich sauce for a dinner meant for two, so there's no extra. The slow cooking method is hands-off and reliable. Portions are perfect to finish in one meal without waste. This creates a balanced, flavorful dinner with ease.
Get the Recipe: Filipino Chicken Adobo

Garlic Butter Pork Chops

Two pork chops covered in creamy gravy on a plate, served with rice and steamed broccolini in the background. — Garlic Butter Pork Chops. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Pork chops get a garlic butter boost, sized to serve two people comfortably. Cooking time is short, and the recipe is easy to manage. The portion control ensures nothing is left behind. You get a filling and simple dinner ready quickly.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Pork Chops

Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Dish

A spoon lifting chicken and stuffing casserole from a cast iron skillet, with a striped towel in the background. — Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Dish. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This casserole is designed for two servings, making it perfect for a complete dinner without leftovers. It's easy to assemble and bakes quickly. The combination of chicken and stuffing is hearty enough for one meal. You can enjoy it all in one sitting.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Dish

Chicken Cacciatore

Plate of spaghetti topped with tomato sauce, mushrooms, and herbs, with a fork and spoon on the side. — Chicken Cacciatore. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chicken simmers in a tomato-based sauce and is portioned for a small dinner for two. The recipe is straightforward and doesn't leave extra servings. Cooking is hands-off once the sauce is simmering. It makes for a filling meal without leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cacciatore

Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Close-up of a crispy air fried chicken drumstick on a white plate garnished with parsley, with hot sauce in the background. — Air Fryer Chicken Legs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chicken legs cook quickly in the air fryer and stay juicy, perfect for a two-person dinner. Portions are ideal to avoid leftover meat. Preparation is simple, letting you focus on sides. It's a practical, hearty dinner finished in one go.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Frito Chili Pie

A plate of Fritos topped with ground beef, cheese, tomatoes, beans, and green onions. — Frito Chili Pie. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This chili pie is designed to give two people a complete meal without extras. The recipe is fast to prepare and assemble. The combination of chili and toppings is hearty enough for one sitting. It's a simple, hands-on dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Frito Chili Pie

Chicken Pot Pie

Individual pot pies are perfect for a two-person meal with no leftover portions. The recipe is straightforward and fills the oven with minimal prep. The balance of chicken and vegetables is enough for one meal each. This makes for a warm, convenient dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie

Chicken Lasagna with Broccoli

A slice of lasagna on a white plate, garnished with basil leaves, and a fork beside it. — Chicken Lasagna with Broccoli. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Lasagna with broccoli is portioned for two servings and won't leave any extra in the fridge. Baking is simple and manageable, even on a weeknight. The vegetables and chicken provide a complete dinner. It's a filling meal that's ready to finish in one sitting.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Lasagna with Broccoli

Ground Turkey and Butternut Squash

A bowl of cooked butternut squash and ground beef, garnished with herbs and diced red peppers. — Ground Turkey and Butternut Squash. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Turkey and squash combine for a small dinner perfectly sized for two. Cooking is fast, and the recipe is easy to follow. The balance of protein and vegetables makes it complete without leftovers. It's practical and ready to enjoy immediately.
Get the Recipe: Ground Turkey and Butternut Squash

Slow Cooker Pork Chops

Pork chops cook slowly to stay tender and are portioned for a small dinner for two. The slow cooker does most of the work. The meal is filling without extra servings. This makes it convenient and hands-off for a weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Chops

Chicken Nuggets

Hand dipping a chicken nugget into a bowl of ketchup, with a gray cloth background. — Chicken Nuggets. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These chicken nuggets are sized for a quick dinner for two. Cooking is fast and easy, perfect for a casual meal. Portioning ensures there are no extras left behind. They pair well with simple sides for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Nuggets

Oven Baked Pork Steaks

Oven baked pork steak on a plate with green beans and a fork on the side. — Oven Baked Pork Steaks. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Pork steaks bake in the oven and come out juicy, perfect for a two-person meal. The recipe is simple to prepare and requires minimal attention. Portions are controlled so nothing is leftover. It's a practical dinner ready to enjoy immediately.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Pork Steaks

Cream Cheese Chicken

A plate with chicken and green beans on it. — Cream Cheese Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Cream cheese adds creaminess to chicken without adding extra work. The recipe is designed to serve two people exactly. Cooking is straightforward and quick. It provides a complete dinner without leaving leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken

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